Colorism

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A form of discrimination that arises from the preference for lighter skin tones compared to darker ones, which causes social and economic disparities
2. A social phenomenon that manifests in favoritism towards individuals with lighter complexions, contributing to unequal treatment and privilege
3. A type of prejudice based on skin tone that favors lighter complexions over darker ones, resulting in social hierarchies and inequalities

Etymology: "Colorism" is built from "color" and the suffix "-ism," the same suffix found in words like "racism" and "sexism." The pattern is deliberate: "-ism" names a system or practice, so the word labels a practice of discrimination based on skin color rather than a simple preference for one shade. The word's sense is narrower than its parts suggest. It refers to favoritism or unequal treatment that tends to go to people with lighter complexions, often within a single community, rather than discrimination between racial groups. That distinction is why it was coined: "racism" described prejudice between groups, while "colorism" was needed to name bias operating inside them.

Synonyms: skin tone bias, shadeism, color bias

Antonyms: colorblindness